Should NH Allow Billboards Advertising Alcohol?

State lawmakers are debating a bill that would eliminate the prohibition on advertising alcoholic beverages on billboards in New Hampshire.

The House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee recommends that the bill, previously passed 13-11 by the Senate, should be rejected. That committee recommendation was similarly close: 8 to 7.

The House votes on it May 7.

Rep. Kermit Williams, for the Majority of the committee, writes: "Even though the liquor commission can regulate other forms of advertising involving liquor, beer and wine, this bill just removes the long-standing prohibition against billboard advertising without giving the state any oversight. Since most national brands, who would likely choose to advertise in this manner, are not based in New Hampshire and thus are not licensees, the liquor commission would have no leverage to control inappropriate ads."

Rep. John B. Hunt, for the Minority, maintains that lifting the prohibition would provide an advertising medium for local breweries, wineries and craft beer stores. "To be clear," Hunt writes, "the fundamental issue is the First Amendment right to free speech."

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should New Hampshire allow billboards advertising alcoholic beverages? Sound off in the comment section below.